Super Rugby: George Smith ruled out of Queensland Reds swansong

George Smith and Kane Douglas won't get the opportunity to bid a playing farewell to Queensland Reds fans on Friday night, with coach Brad Thorn set to blood more young talent for their last match of the year.

Wallabies great Smith has failed to recover from the knee injury that forced him out of last week's win over Melbourne Rebels, meaning he will watch the Reds take on the Sunwolves from the stands at Suncorp Stadium.

The 37-year-old is leaving Super Rugby for a short-term contract with English Premiership side Bristol Bears.

Douglas, meanwhile, is off to French Top 14 club Bordeaux next season but has been dropped from the squad. Lukhan Tui replaces him in the second-row while Australian under-20s lock Angus Blyth has earned a spot on the bench for a potential Super Rugby debut.

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"Kane Douglas has done a great job for us this season, but with him moving overseas, we felt we should give opportunities to younger players," Thorn said.

"It's unfortunate that George doesn't get an opportunity to play in the Reds' jersey one final time, but we thought it was in his best interests to listen to his body and sit this one out.

"He has given plenty to us and to Australian rugby as a whole and we wish him all the best with the rest of his career."

The only other change to the starting side is at halfback, where Tate McDermott comes in for Moses Sorovi.The Reds were smashed 63-28 by the Sunwolves in their last meeting in Tokyo earlier this season.

"The Sunwolves are a dangerous attacking team," Thorn said. "They've got some clever plays and a smart kicking game, so we need to be switched on and prepared for anything."